BILL TO STRENGTHEN CARBON MONOXIDE SAFETY ENACTED BY SENATE

Posted: June 19, 2015 | Front Page, Senator Diamond

“Silent Killer” could be prevented with more detectors

 

AUGUSTA – A bill that would require more buildings to have carbon monoxide detectors was enacted in the Maine Senate today with a vote of 22 to 13.

 

Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham

Sen. Bill Diamond of Windham

“It comes down to this, smoke detectors are required everywhere and this bill would ask the same for CO detectors,” said Democratic State Senator Bill Diamond of Windham, the bill’s sponsor. “With smoke, you can smell and notice the threat. With carbon monoxide, you cannot without the detector.”

 

The measure, LD 623 “An Act To Expand Maine’s Carbon Monoxide Detectors Law,” would expand a 2009 law that requires all rental units, newly purchased homes, houses, hotels and dormitories built or renovated after Aug. 1, 2012 to have carbon monoxide detectors. The measure, as amended, expands the requirement to schools, childcare facilities, inns, bed and breakfasts, and fraternity or sorority houses by May 2016.

 

“I am confident the law in 2009 has saved lives and there are more lives to be saved,” said Senator Diamond.

 

Carbon monoxide poisoning, often referred to as “the silent killer,”  is a serious threat, especially in Maine where power outages are common and many people use generators for backup. It is odorless and tasteless which makes it difficult to recognize, and causes headaches, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness and confusion, and can even be fatal.

 

According to the Maine Center for Disease Control, over 100 emergency department visits occur each year in Maine because of carbon monoxide exposure. In February 2015, Maine saw an unusually high amount of carbon monoxide poisoning cases due to high snow banks blocking vents alongside homes.

 

The measure is supported by landlord associations, Maine Fire Chiefs Association, Maine Fire Commission, and local fire departments spoke in support of the bill.

 

The measure has received unanimous consent “under the hammer” in both the House and the Senate and now goes to the governor for his consideration before it can become law.

 

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